Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) - Cuba (Ratification: 1975)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government. In particular, it notes with interest the detailed information concerning the educational system and the programmes for the protection of children and young persons in the country. It also notes Legislative Decree No. 174 of 9 June 1997 respecting violations of the regulations governing self-employment.

Article 3, paragraphs 1 and 2, of the Convention.  The Committee recalls that, in accordance with section 225 of the Labour Code, the employment of young persons under 18 years of age is prohibited in certain types of employment or work which by their nature or the circumstances in which they are carried out are likely to jeopardize their health or safety (for example, underground work or work which involves the handling of substances which may affect their health). The Committee recalls that, according to the information provided by the Government, by virtue of this section of the Labour Code, the labour authorities, after consulting the trade unions, may determine the minimum age of 18 years for admission to work in activities which may jeopardize the development of young persons under 18 years of age (for example, engagement in vessels in the merchant navy in Cuba, the handling of cranes, and certain activities carried out using agricultural machinery). The Committee noted previously that the Government would take into account on the occasion of a possible revision of the Labour Code the comments made by the Committee concerning the application of this Article of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide any information which it considers relevant concerning the process of the revision of the Labour Code, and particularly on the measures adopted to give effect to the Convention with regard to the prohibition of certain types of unhealthy or hazardous work for persons under 18 years of age, including work which is likely to jeopardize their morals.

Part V of the report form.  The Committee notes the interesting information concerning the protective measures for young persons reported by the Government and requests the Government to continue providing information on the application of the Convention in practice.